Meghan Markle’s pregnancy in photos

Getty Images

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently announced the joyful news that their first child will be born in the spring of 2019.

“Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Sussex is expecting a baby in the spring of 2019,” according to an Oct. 15 announcement from British Royal Family.

Though it’s difficult to say exactly when Markle got pregnant (she’s due in the “spring of 2019,” which is intentionally vague), the news might make you want to look back over the past three or four months to see if Markle showed any signs of pregnancy. A tiny baby bump or maternal glow, perhaps? Check out some photos covering her first trimester to see for yourself.

London Reception

Photographers got a super clear shot of Markle wearing this cheery Brandon Maxwell sleeveless midi dress during the “Your Commonwealth” Youth Challenge reception in London on July 5. Though it would’ve been very early in her pregnancy, depending on how you do the math, she seems to be glowing already. In many pictures from that day, Markle can be seen clasping her hands together in front of her stomach — was this subtle body language a clue that she already knew she was pregnant?

Getty Images

Trip To Ireland

Markle and Prince Harry were photographed visiting a startup business hub in Ireland in July 11. Markle’s black suit and belt would be great cover for any burgeoning baby bump — not that there’d be much of one to cover so early on in her pregnancy!

Getty Images

A Well-Chosen Dress In Ireland

If Markle were trying to hide a bump, this taupe-colored dress she chose to wear to meet Ireland’s president, Michael Higgins, on July 11 would certainly do the trick!

Getty Images

Wimbledon

On July 14, Markle enjoyed the company of her sister-in-law Kate Middleton, aka the Duchess of Cambridge, when the two attended Wimbledon together. Markle’s close friend Serena Williams was competing, so the in-laws attended to show their support. Markle looked classy as always wearing a blue and white striped Ralph Lauren shirt and wide-leg, silk Ralph Lauren pants. At various points during her visit to the tennis court, Markle held her hat directly in front of her stomach — another early clue about her growing bump, perhaps?

Getty Images

Nelson Mandela Exhibit

On July 17, Harry and Markle celebrated Nelson Mandela’s centenary. The exhibition at Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall was special to the Duchess, as Mandela was one of her heroes. Approximately 300 people attended the event, and Markle wore a loose-fitting shirt dress with a belt that could hide any evidence of a bump.

Nelson Mandela Centenary harry meghan photo
Getty Images | WPA Pool

Sentebale Polo

On July 26, Harry and Markle endured the unusual heat to attend the 2018 Sentebale Polo Cup. The couple enjoyed lunch and conversation with polo champ Nacho Figueras and his wife, Delfina Blaquier. Markle wore a navy Carolina Herrera belted dress with loose-fitting skirt, which again could have hidden any potential baby bump.

Getty Images

Presenting The Trophy

The Duke took the field during the competition on July 26, as well. Following the match, his wife presented team captain Nacho Figueras with a trophy.

“They’re both lucky to have found each other and have this new chapter of their life,” Figueras, who is friends with Harry, told People.

Though from the side, Markle appears to have a little bit of a bump it was most likely just the cut of her dress — but you never know.

Sentebale Polo 2018 trophy photo
Getty Images | Chris Jackson

Wedding of Friends

On Aug. 4, Markle arrived at the wedding of Daisy Jenks and Charlie van Straubenzee. The nuptials took place at the centuries-old Saint Mary the Virgin Church in the village of Frensham in Surrey, England. The event also happened to take place on the Duchess’s birthday. Once again, Markle wore a belted dress (this one from Club Monaco, which promptly sold out), making it difficult to tell whether she’s showing or not. Perhaps that was in the back of her mind when she selected this chic but fun outfit.

Markle was not alone at the Aug. 4 wedding. Harry was present, but since he was part of the wedding party the pair did not meet up until after the ceremony. Van Straubenzee and the Duke of Sussex attended prep school together and remain close friends, so Harry was the best man.

Getty Images | Joe Giddens - PA Images

‘Hamilton’

On Aug. 29, Prince Harry and Markle attended a gala performance of “Hamilton” in London. The charity performance of the hit musical raised funds to help children affected by HIV in southern Africa. The Duke and Duchess met with cast backstage, as well.

Markle took a more business casual approach by wearing a black tuxedo dress. The structured dress makes it difficult to see any growing baby bump, and Markle doesn’t appear self-conscious at all — in fact, she stood confidently with her arms down at her sides throughout the evening.

Getty Images

WellChild Awards

On Sept. 4, Markle attended the WellChild Awards in London with Harry. The event celebrates achievements of seriously ill children and young people. Though her Altuzarra pantsuit covered up any trace of a bump, we did get a tiny preview into how Prince Harry and Markle interact with children — they’re obviously naturals.

The pregnant Duchess spoke with 7-year-old Matilda Booth, who lives with spina bifida.

“The children seemed really relaxed around both of them,” Matilda’s mother Sharon Booth told The Sun. “I think they would be amazing parents.”

Getty Images

100 Days of Peace

On Sept. 6, a concert called “100 Days of Peace” commemorated the centenary of the end of the World War I. Harry and Markle attended the event, which benefited mental health initiatives, including Help for Heroes, Combat Stress and Heads Together. The latter organization is a mental health initiative that Prince Harry started in 2016 along with Prince William and Kate Middleton.

There was some speculation that the Duchess was sporting a bit of a baby bump at the Sept. 6 event. However, the front of Markle’s gown featured ruffled pleats, which left watchers wondering. The royals neither confirmed nor denied the rumor at that time.

100 days of peace photo
Getty Images | WPA Pool

Cookbook Launch

On Sept. 20, Markle hosted a cookbook launch. The book was the Duchess’s first royal project. The recipes in the cookbook were provided by women affected by the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in London. Not only did the Duchess cook with the women involved, as she co-authored the cookbook, she also took a personal interest in the individuals involved. At the book launch, she made her first royal speech, calling the work a labor of love. Prince Harry and Markle’s mom Doria Ragland were present to support the project.

Markle wore a long blue Smythe coat over a black skirt and top designed by Misha Nonoo. Since she barely took the coat off during the event, it’s possible she was hiding a small bump.

Getty Images

Playing Ball

Another day, another belted outfit for Markle. On Sept. 24, Harry and Markle attended the Coach Core Awards. The Coach Core program encourages young people to become involved in coaching sports. The event, held at Loughborough University in Loughborough, England, honored 60 graduating Coach Core apprentices.

Markle sported an Oscar de la Renta jacket and Altuzarra pants for the occasion. Though much was made of her ability to play basketball in heels that day, there was no real chatter about a potential baby bump.

Getty Images

Oceania

On Sept. 25, Markle attended the opening of “Oceania” at the Royal Academy of Arts in London. The exhibition celebrates the art of the Pacific region. The opening was her first solo royal event. Her belted, natural-waist dress helped to hide her growing bump. But have you noticed a common thread throughout Markle’s public appearances during this time? She’s wearing black or dark blue almost exclusively, which would certainly help cover up a bump.

Getty Images

Closing Her Own Car Door

Of course, much of the attention around the Sept. 25 “Oceania” event was focused on the fact that Markle closed her own car door. While many were surprised to see this from a newly-named Duchess, some eagle-eyed royal-watchers quickly pointed out that Kate Middleton has closed her own car door as well.

Getty Images

Joff Youth Centre

On Oct. 3, Prince Harry and Markle visited the Joff Youth Centre in the town of Peacehaven in Sussex. The Royal couple spoke with the youth group members about mental health. Markle received flowers and warm compliments while wearing a high-waisted Hugo Boss leather skirt which seems to have masked any growing baby bump.

“Meghan gave such amazing responses when I opened up about my own experiences and the hard things I have been through,” 16-year-old member Lee Keeley told The Argus.

Harry and Markle also visited the town of Brighton on Oct. 3. Young students from Queen’s Park Primary School greeted the pair at the Royal Pavilion. The mother-to-be took time to shake hands and speak with the children, offering perhaps another preview into what she’ll be like as a mother.

Getty Images

Family Wedding

On Oct. 12, Prince Harry’s cousin Princess Eugenie of York married Jack Brooksbank. Markle arrived at Windsor Castle prior to the ceremony. The Duchess wore a loose-fitting navy dress and matching coat, which really fueled public speculation that she was pregnant. The rumors, as we now know, were spot-on.

Meghan eugenie wedding photo
Getty Images | WPA Pool

Back At Windsor

Markle and Prince Harry took their turn as guests at the Windsor Castle wedding, after marrying there in May of 2018.

Getty Images

It’s Official

On Oct. 15, the rumors were finally proven to be true. As Markle’s pregnancy was announced, she and Harry were traveling to Australia. They arrived in Sydney to begin a 16-day tour.

Getty Images

 

Hint Of A Bump

Markle’s style seems to have changed almost immediately, though perhaps it had more to do with the weather than her pregnancy finally being out in the open. She wore a white fitted dress designed by Karen Gee that showed just the slightest hint of a bump. Either way, Markle again looks absolutely glowing.

Getty Images

Baby Gifts

On Oct. 16, the Duke and Duchess visited Admiralty House. The pair met with Australia’s Governor General, Peter Cosgrove, and his wife, Lynne. The Cosgrove’s surprised the expectant parents with a tiny pair of UGG boots and a stuffed kangaroo toy, which Markle promptly hugged toward her stomach.

meghan Peter Cosgrove photo
Getty Images | Pool

Australia Visit Continues

She later changed into a green Brandon Maxwell dress and kept her hands clasped in front of her stomach during an afternoon reception.

Getty Images

Farm Visit

On Oct. 17, Prince Harry and Markle visited a local farming family. The Woodleys live in Dubbo, Australia. Markle brought the family a loaf of banana bread she baked the night before. She sported a casual but chic white button-down shirt — do you see a little bump?

Getty Images

Pavilion Reception

On Oct. 21, Harry and Markle attended a reception at the Pavilion Restaurant in Sydney. The event was hosted by the Prime Minister of Australia. Once again, the soon-to-be-parents took time out to talk with children who came to see them. Her black turtleneck and white pin-striped blazer covered up any view of her growing bump.

Getty Images

Kingfisher Bay Jetty

On Oct. 22, the Duke and Duchess visited Fraser Island. The pair were photographed strolling along the Kingfisher Bay Jetty. Markle is shown gently cupping her growing belly.

The Duke And Duchess Of Sussex Visit Australia Day 7 photo
Getty Images | Chris Hyde

Jioji Konrote State Dinner

On Oct. 23, Prince Harry and Markle attended a state dinner in Fiji. The event was hosted by Fiji’s president, Jioji Konrote. The Duchess’s baby bump was evident at her first formal event in the Pacific.

The Duke And Duchess Of Sussex Visit Fiji Day 1 photo
Getty Images | Pool

Morning Tea in Fiji

On Oct. 24, Markle attended a morning tea reception at the British High Commissioner’s residence. At the home in Suva, Fiji, she wore a bright, loose-fitting gown. The Duchess helped prepare the morning meal.

Getty Images | Pool/Samir Hussein

Labalaba Statue Unveiling

On Oct. 25, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the unveiling of the Labalaba Statue. The statue is a tribute to Sgt. Talaiasi Labalaba, who lost his life saving fellow soldiers at the Battle of Mirbat in Oman in 1972. Once again, Markle was photographed lovingly cradling her baby bump.

Getty Images | Pool/Samir Hussein

Tonga Arrival

Though many onlookers were distracted by the fact that Markle accidentally left the tag on her bright red Self-Portrait dress for her arrival in Tonga, we can’t help but notice how happy and radiant she looked.

tonga airport photo
Getty Images | Chris Jackson

State Dinner

Markle and Prince Harry later changed into formal attire to attend an official state dinner after they arrived in Tonga on Oct. 25, with Markle wearing a stunning form-fitting Theia gown that definitely showed off her bump.

Getty Images

Queen’s Canopy Unveiling

During their second day in Tonga, Prince Harry and Markle visited Tupou College in Nuku’alofa for an unveiling of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy. Markle wore a blue Veronica Beard shirt dress, again with a belt, except this time you can clearly see her growing bump.

Getty Images

Young Conservationist Award

Markle turned a lot of heads when she wore this Oscar de la Renta tulle gown on Oct. 26 to present the Young Conservationist of the Year Award in Australia. Pregnant or not, there’s no question that Markle looks fabulous in evening wear.

Getty Images

Invictus Games

On Oct. 27, Markle and Prince Harry attended a wheelchair basketball game in Sydney as part of the Invictus Games. The pregnant duchess continued her jewel-toned trend by wearing a belted dark red peplum top from designer Scanian Theodore. She paired the top with chic black pants and heels.

Getty Images

New Zealand

Markle wore a Karen Walker trench coat that disguised any hint of a baby bump as she arrived with Prince Harry in New Zealand on Oct. 28.

Getty Images

Courtney Creative Visit

Markle again appeared to cradle her baby bump on Oct. 29 during a visit to Courtney Creative in New Zealand. She opted for white again, wearing a tuxedo dress by New Zealand designer Maggie Marilyn.

Getty Images

Greeting Crowds

Markle was seen cradling her baby bump again while she and Prince Harry greeted crowds on Oct. 30 in Auckland, New Zealand. She looked lovely in white as always, wearing a Brandon Maxwell dress topped by a Burberry trench coat.

Getty Images

Kate Middleton Voices Excitement Over New Niece Or Nephew

Despite an abundance of rumors about tension between Princes William and Harry and between their wives, Kensington Palace has firmly denied there’s any truth to them.

In case royal-watchers need further proof that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are excited for the arrival of their niece or nephew, a fan who uses the moniker @2cool_4school_2lame_4fame captured Kate Middleton chatting with people during a visit to the University of Leicester.

When asked if she’s excited for the arrival of the new royal, Middleton replied, “Yeah, absolutely. It’s such a special time to have little kiddies and a cousin for George and Charlotte and Louis! It’s really special.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bquy88JHXWT/

Celebrities, Entertainment
, , ,

Related posts

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex walks onstage during the Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen panel during the 2024 SXSW Conference and Festival at Austin Convention Center on March 08, 2024 in Austin, Texas.
Meghan Markle breaks long Instagram silence with launch of new lifestyle brand
GABOUREY SIDIBE
Gabourey Sidibe and her husband announce they're expecting twins
Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara on red carpet
Rooney Mara expecting second child with Joaquin Phoenix
Meghan Markle, duchess of Sussex
Meghan Markle is launching a new podcast

About the Author
Tricia Goss
Tricia Goss is a Texas-based writer and editor with nearly two decades of experience. She is passionate about helping readers improve their skills, gain knowledge and attain more happiness in life. When she’s not working, Tricia enjoys traveling with her husband and their dog, especially to visit their five grandchildren.

From our partners